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In a small apartment...Helen paced around the living room, her eyes occasionally drifting to the television where the news about Mr. Bayou’s death still flashed across the screen. It was a rare moment of satisfaction for her. The successful completion of her first task for Delilah gave her a sense of power she hadn’t felt in a long time. She had gathered all the necessary details about Mr. Bayou, confirmed he was Mrs. Gaga’s cheating husband, and now he was gone. Helen smiled to herself, briefly savoring the victory.That smile quickly faded when she heard the unmistakable sound of the front door creaking open, followed by heavy, uneven footsteps. Her heart sank as she turned toward the door. Jonah was home.Jonah staggered through the entrance, reeking of alcohol, his shirt untucked and wrinkled. His eyes were bloodshot, and he muttered confusedly under his breath. Helen’s disheartened expression mirrored the way she felt every time she saw him like this. It had become an al
The idea was dark, but the thought lingered. After all, Helen had already helped take down someone like Mr. Bayou. What was stopping her from turning that newfound power toward her own life?Just as the thought solidified in her mind, a small voice interrupted her."Mommy?"Helen blinked and turned to see her daughter, Zoe, standing in the doorway of the living room, rubbing her sleepy eyes. The little girl’s dark curls were a messy halo around her head, and she clutched her stuffed bunny to her chest, its worn ears flopping to the side. Zoe’s pajamas were a little too big, the sleeves hanging down past her hands, making her look even smaller than she already was."Hey, sweetie." Helen forced a smile, kneeling down and opening her arms. "What are you doing up?"Zoe toddled over, her little legs moving quickly as she rushed into her mother’s arms. Helen pulled her daughter into a hug, the warmth of Zoe’s small body grounding her, pushing the darker thoughts away for the moment."I
A loud sound echoed through the room, startling Delilah awake. She blinked a few times, disoriented, before realizing she was sprawled on the bed. Marco was gone. Her gaze flicked over the disheveled pillow beside her, the blankets tossed aside as if he had just left. Her long auburn curls now hung in tousled waves around her face, and she absentmindedly pushed them out of her eyes as she slowly sat up.She exhaled, leaning back against the headboard, and let the events of last night replay in her mind. A sly smile curled on her lips as she remembered the warmth of Marco’s body wrapped around hers. "God, his arms felt amazing around me."She could still feel the gentle pressure of his hands on her, the heat of his skin seeping into her own. "I love how he smells… all masculine and sexy."She closed her eyes, savoring the memory. It wasn’t just the physical closeness, it was the way it made her feel… safe."Why did I feel so safe with him?" That thought gnawed at her. She wasn
With one last glance at Marco, who seemed absorbed in his paper, Delilah left the house, feeling light and exhilarated. She strode briskly down the street toward the café, the thrill of her secret job and the excitement of a new client adding a spring to her step. The notification from Shh, I Tame Real Men had informed her that the client was expected at the café in about a minute. She glanced at her watch. "Better not be late," she thought, quickening her pace.As she reached the café, she was pleased to see the space was spotless. The tables gleamed, the counters were polished, and the morning sunlight filtered in through the clean windows. Helen had clearly done her job well.Delilah pushed open the door, her face lighting up in a broad smile as she greeted Helen. "Morning, Helen! Looks like you’ve been hard at work."Helen managed a smile back. "Good morning, Delilah."Something in Helen’s eyes flickered, but Delilah, too preoccupied with the anticipation of meeting her clie
Helen’s face went even paler, her voice trembling as she spoke. "I’m sorry… I just—"Delilah placed a hand on her forehead, closing her eyes as she processed Helen’s request. The frustration simmered in her, but beneath it, she felt a small pang of sympathy. Helen’s voice had sounded so desperate. But this was more than just a favor—it was a breach of the very foundations they had all agreed on."Helen," she said slowly, dropping her hand and opening her eyes, "the rules exist to protect us, all of us. If we start bending them now, then what’s to stop us from doing it again? And what’s to stop someone else from asking the same thing later?"Ruby leaned back, crossing her arms. "I mean, if we’re going to break every rule for everyone’s convenience, we may as well quit.""Stop it, Ruby," Delilah said firmly, cutting her off again. She turned her gaze to Helen, and though her tone was gentle, her eyes were firm. "I understand that this isn’t easy. We all have struggles, and I’m sorry y
Just then, Helen's voice cut in, her eyes fixed on the security monitor. "Guys, look."Delilah's fingers tightened around her phone as she turned to the screen. Her mind spun as she watched Marco's figure shift, stepping back and glancing around. There was no mistaking him now: the shape of his jaw, the mess of dark hair, the athletic build that hinted at more than a casual gym habit."What's he doing here?" Helen's voice was quiet, her eyes darting between Delilah and the screen, uncertain. "Is... is he following you?"Delilah could barely answer. Part of her wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it, another part wanted to storm outside and demand answers. Why was Marco here? Why hadn't he simply knocked, instead of skulking around like a stranger in the night?Ruby, however, seemed to find the whole situation mildly entertaining. "Well, if he wanted to make an impression, he's certainly doing it. But maybe next time he should try the doorbell?"Delilah's tone was a warning. "Ruby
Delilah blinked, gathering herself. She looked at Ruby with that cool, indifferent expression she’d mastered over the years. "I disabled the audio because I felt like it," she replied, voice low but steady. "I found it unnecessary for you to be listening to my conversation."Ruby scoffed, her arms dropping to her sides as she took a step forward. "Listening?" she echoed, her tone daring Delilah to challenge her. "Just admit it, Delilah—you’re keeping something from us. From me and Helen."Delilah tilted her head, her eyes shifting to where Helen was quietly pulling up the blinds on the café’s front windows, her back to them as she worked. She gestured toward Helen. "Look at her, Ruby. She’s actually busy with work rather than suspecting me," Delilah said, her voice carrying a subtle hint of reproach.Ruby turned, glancing over her shoulder at Helen, who was diligently adjusting the "Closed" sign, flipping it to "Open" without a second thought. She looked back at Delilah, a dry l
Delilah turned sharply, her gaze locking with Marco’s. A sly grin played at his lips as he leaned against the doorframe, clearly amused. She swallowed, caught in the moment, but quickly masked her reaction."I was just… curious," she replied, her voice steady despite her racing heartbeat.Marco chuckled, a glint of something dangerous and thrilling in his eyes. Without another word, Delilah turned and continued to her bedroom, her cheeks warming under his gaze.Once inside, she took a deep breath, steadying herself. She changed into her nightgown, then opened the drawer of her nightstand, intending to check on her black book. To her relief, it was still there, untouched. But beside it, a small velvet-colored jewelry box caught her eye. Frowning, she picked it up, her pulse quickening as she opened it.Inside was a golden wristwatch, gleaming in the dim light. The design was unmistakable—the Graff Diamonds Hallucination, a watch worth over fifty millions. Delilah’s heart skipp
Delilah blinked, her stomach knotting. Did she just call me poor? And those dresses cheap?Jonah glanced at Delilah, his expression softening with something akin to pity. "Let it be," he said quietly to the woman. "Don’t trouble her."Delilah’s cheeks flushed. She glanced down at her simple gown, suddenly questioning its appearance. But when her gaze shifted back to the woman’s attire, she couldn’t help noticing how extravagantly luxurious it was. The kind of outfit meant to scream wealth."But baby—" the woman started.Delilah cut her off with a scoff, her composure icy. "Please hand me the clothes," she said to the associate, her voice firm but calm. "I’ll take them to the checkout counter myself."The associate obeyed, passing the clothes to Delilah with an apologetic look.Without sparing the couple another glance
Delilah stared at her phone screen as Marco’s name glowed brightly. Her heart gave an unexpected jolt."Why is he calling at this time?" she wondered.Her heart raced, the usually cold and calculating parts of her mind momentarily disrupted.She glanced around the hospital ward, ensuring no prying eyes or ears were nearby. The ward was still, only the faint hum of machinery and distant footsteps breaking the quiet.She pressed the answer button."Excuse me," she said coolly to Gino, who raised an eyebrow but said nothing.Delilah walked out of the ward, her heels clicking softly on the floor. Only once she was in the empty corridor, her back against the wall, did she lift the phone to her ear."Hello?" she said, her voice steady."Hi," Marco’s familiar, deep voice came through
The soft click of the door behind Delilah as she stepped into Gino’s room seemed to echo louder than it should.Her eyes swept over the large VIP ward, noting the unnecessary luxury for someone supposedly recovering from digestive issues.Gino lay on the bed, his hand connected to an IV, his face a picture of forced innocence. Beside him stood a young nurse, her nervous smile betraying her discomfort.The nurse greeted Delilah hesitantly. "He’s still under treatment, ma’am, and—"Delilah cut her off, her voice smooth yet firm. "Please, could you excuse us for a moment?"The nurse glanced at Gino for approval. Gino, with a barely noticeable flick of his eyes, gave her the signal to leave. She nodded awkwardly and hurried out, leaving Delilah and Gino alone.Delilah set the bag she’d brought onto the small table by the
The knock on the library door was firm yet restrained, interrupting Marco's focused gaze on the documents scattered across his oak desk.Without lifting his head, he adjusted his wristwatch and called out, "Come in."He expected Lucia’s familiar face to peek in, but instead, Delilah stepped through the doorway. Her soft smile and composed demeanor instantly filled the room."Hi," she greeted, her voice light and inviting.Marco leaned back in his chair, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Hi."Delilah closed the door gently behind her and walked further in. "I came to check up on you. How’s it going?""Great," Marco replied, though his tone lacked conviction. He glanced at his wristwatch again and frowned. "Except that Lucia was supposed to be here by now to assist me, but she’s not here yet."Delilah’s brows
"And what will you do anyway?" Lucia sneered. "Push me out? That won’t work because I’ll boldly return with a recent tape of Marco groaning my name."Lucia leaned closer, her voice lowering mockingly. "Take note of that, you poor orphan."Something in Delilah snapped at the insult.Before she could think, her hand shot out, landing a resounding slap across Lucia’s face.The sound echoed in the small restroom, and Lucia staggered back, her expression a mix of shock and pain."You—" Lucia started, but Delilah grabbed her arm, spinning her back around.The fight began.Lucia, fueled by rage and her wrestling past, swung at Delilah with strikes.Delilah, though reluctant at first to engage fully - because she had never hurt a woman and didn't intend to - defended herse
Delilah poured herself a glass of wine, her hands trembling slightly as the ruby liquid swirled into the glass.She took a deep breath and steadied herself before taking a sip, her lips pressing tightly against the rim as she fought the gnawing sensation in her chest."How could I have been so stupid?" she thought, almost chuckling as her mind replayed the conversation over and over.Marco’s sharp tone, the disappointment in his eyes—it all haunted her.The room felt cold despite the warm atmosphere.Delilah wrapped her free arm around her torso, her hand gripping her side tightly.The glass met her lips again, and this time, she drank deeply, letting the burn distract her from the ache inside.Delilah refilled the wine glass. She raised it to her lips, ready to drink again.Just as
Delilah didn't think much about it.In the evening, she leaned over the railing, the cool breeze brushing her face, she was already prepared for what was coming.Anticipation buzzed faintly in her chest as she saw Marco’s familiar silhouette approaching the mansion’s entrance.But he wasn’t alone.Lucia was with him, her tall frame radiating confidence as she walked beside Marco, holding some documents.Delilah straightened, her lips thinning as her fingers gripped the railing tighter.She descended the stairs deliberately, her heels clicking against the polished wood.The sound echoed sharply, cutting through the quiet hall like a warning.The sound caught Marco’s attention, and he looked up, his dark eyes immediately landing on her.For
Delilah narrowed her eyes, her jaw tightening. "The bigger picture? Is that what you call turning your back on someone who trusted us?"Helen finally spoke, her tone gentle but firm. "It’s not about trust. It’s about safety, Delilah. Mrs. Madison’s situation was tragic, yes. But we’re not detectives or vigilantes. We’re executors. We handle executions, not investigate deaths."Delilah let out a bitter laugh. "Is that how you justify it? By sticking to the job description?"Helen frowned but said nothing.Ruby, however, couldn’t resist. "It’s not just about that. Look, I don’t want to get caught up in this because it never ends well when emotions come into play. You know that, Delilah."Delilah took a step closer to the table, her presence commanding despite the room's elegant and tranquil decor.Her
Helen tilted her head, her doubt evident. "This is about Mrs. Madison, isn’t it?"Delilah’s jaw tightened, her eyes smoldering. "Yes."Ruby’s brows drew together, her voice hesitant. "The client? The one you postponed yesterday?"Delilah nodded, her voice a knife’s edge. "She’s dead."A thick silence enveloped the room. Ruby’s eyes widened, darting to Helen, who sat frozen, her lips parted in shock.Helen leaned forward, her voice cautious yet probing. "Dead? How?""They’re calling it a suicide," Delilah replied, her tone clipped, each word deliberate. "But there’s more to it than that."Ruby’s lips parted as realization dawned. "Wait, are you saying—"The soft creak of the door interrupted them, and all three heads turned.Mrs. Hay